Fantastic Four #16- The Freshest Alien Beats

The Fantastic Four have crash landed on another planet. Using Sue’s powers to blend in, the team crafts their escape plan in secret, working to repair their ship. What happens when a new revelation puts the world on a collision course for war?

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Creative Team

Writer: Ryan North
Artist: Ramón Rosanas
Color Artist: Edgar Delgado
Letterer: Joe Caramagna
Cover Artist: Humberto Ramos
Cover Color Artist: Edgar Delgado

Writing

Ryan North continues to find new and interesting ways to tell the story of the Fantastic Four. This issue, not only comes with a great story, but with a sort of parable about the value of truth in the face of kindness. Johnny’s recent mustache sacrifice is rewarded by him being a surprising voice of reason. While I enjoy story arcs, Ryan North has proven that well written self contained stories can not only be done but can truly be enjoyable.

Each of these stories feels unique and allow a different member of the team to shine each time. I really love the underlying message of this story. It not only fits with the Fantastic Four, but just provides a great general lesson overall. North continues to find ways to use unique points in history or technology to tell interesting stories about Marvel’s first family. North is unafraid of taking chances and the self contained stories between the Invincible Woman arc and the upcoming DNX story feel like some of North’s best work yet.

Art

Ramón Rosanas, Edgar Delgado, and Joe Caramagna really tell a wonderful story. Rosana renders an alien world that feels distinct but also reminiscent of Industrial Revolution era America. There’s a difference in line weight between the Fantastic Four and this world they find themselves on that creates a nice feeling of the family being alien to this world.

Edgar Delgado blew me away with his colors on this issue. Capturing the transition from matching the aliens to their normal selves for Alicia and Sue was beautiful. Delgado really helped capture the feel of the story through colors helping sell the Industrial Revolution look of the story. Joe Caramagna beautifully keeps the story flowing through various narrations.

Final Thoughts

Ryan North continues to craft a legendary Fantastic Four run. Each issue is so different yet they all work. The stories are unique, refreshing, and enjoyable

Overall Grade: 10/10

What do you think about Fantastic Four #16? Let me know in the comments